Relieve Muscle Pain and Improve Movement
Muscle tightness, lingering pain, and limited movement can make everyday activities more difficult. Dry needling is a specialized physical therapy treatment used to help reduce muscle tension, relieve pain and support the healing process.
At CHRISTUS Health, dry needling is offered as part of a personalized outpatient therapy plan designed to help you move more comfortably and return to the activities that matter most. Dry needling is commonly used by physical therapists to treat muscle pain, movement restrictions and certain musculoskeletal conditions. It is available as part of outpatient rehabilitation services at select CHRISTUS locations.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a treatment performed by specially trained physical therapists using thin, sterile needles that are inserted into tight or irritated muscles, often called trigger points.
The goal is to release muscle tension, improve blood flow, reduce pain and restore normal movement. Unlike injections, dry needling does not involve medication.
Dry needling is often combined with other rehabilitation techniques such as therapeutic exercise, stretching, manual therapy and movement training to improve results.
Conditions Dry Needling May Help Treat
Dry needling may be used as part of a treatment plan for:
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Shoulder pain
- Hip pain
- Knee pain
- Sports-related injuries
- Muscle strains
- Tendon and overuse injuries
- Chronic muscle tightness
- Myofascial pain syndrome
Your therapist will determine whether dry needling is appropriate based on your symptoms, diagnosis and overall treatment goals.
What to Expect During Treatment
During a dry needling session, your therapist will evaluate the affected area and identify specific muscles contributing to pain or movement problems.
Treatment typically:
- Targets tight or painful muscles.
- Uses thin, sterile needles placed into trigger points.
- Lasts only a few minutes for each treatment area.
- May create a brief muscle twitch response.
- Is followed by movement exercises or stretching.
Some patients experience immediate relief, while others notice gradual improvement over several visits.
Benefits of Dry Needling
Patients may experience:
- Reduced muscle pain and tension
- Improved flexibility and range of motion
- Better movement and function
- Faster recovery from certain injuries
- Improved participation in rehabilitation exercises
Dry needling is often used alongside other physical therapy treatments to support recovery and help patients achieve their rehabilitation goals.
Outpatient Physical Therapy at CHRISTUS Health
Dry needling is one of many services available through CHRISTUS outpatient rehabilitation programs. Our therapists create individualized treatment plans focused on reducing pain, improving function and helping patients return to work, sports and daily activities safely.
Whether you are recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain or seeking improved mobility, our rehabilitation specialists can help identify the right treatment approach for your needs.